SOUTH AFRICA — Cheetah cubs at Running Wild Cheetah Conservation recently shared a tender moment with their great-grandmother Shadow, a well-known maternal figure at the center.

While their mother, Zakira, enjoyed a meal, the cubs cozied up to Shadow, who responded with affectionate grooming. Known for her gentle nature, Shadow has helped nurture animals of various species over the years, including puppies.

Running Wild Cheetah Conservation is the world’s first facility focused exclusively on breeding cheetahs for reintroduction into protected reserves. With fewer than 7,500 cheetahs remaining globally, and fewer than 600 in the wild in South Africa, the center plays a critical role in efforts to prevent extinction.

Moments like these highlight the center’s commitment to raising well-socialized, healthy cheetahs prepared for a return to the wild through carefully designed rewilding, training, and monitoring programs.

Source: Running Wild Cheetah Conservation